Cleaning Your Golf Cart: A Quick Guide

Cleaning your golf cart goes beyond looks. It’s essential for maintenance and responsible ownership. Regular cleaning enhances your cart’s appearance, improves your driving experience, and helps spot potential issues early. It also preserves the vehicle’s value, making it easier to sell or trade in later.

We've created this guide to help you maintain an effective cleaning routine. Read on to learn all the tips to keep a golf cart well.

General Guidelines for Cleaning

Choose the Right Cleaning Products

Select effective, gentle cleaning supplies. Check your owner’s manual for recommendations. Quality cleaners may cost more upfront, but they prevent damage and reduce repair costs. Ensure your products are suitable for the surfaces you’ll clean.

Pick an Ideal Cleaning Spot

Park your golf cart on a solid, non-porous surface with good drainage, like a driveway or concrete pad. Avoid cleaning on grass, as chemicals can harm your lawn.

Prepare Before Cleaning

Remove loose dirt and debris. Clear out personal items and electronics to prevent water damage. Don’t forget to empty any trash containers.

Power Down

Always turn off your golf cart before you start cleaning.

Basic Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning your golf cart should be simple. Gather these essential supplies:

• Two buckets: one for clean water, one for soapy water
• Liquid dish soap
• Soft sponges or washcloths
• Microfiber towels for drying (reusable is eco-friendly)
• Baking soda and a toothbrush for cleaning battery terminals

You can also use specialized products like aluminum cleaner or mold remover, but water and soap usually suffice.

Cleaning Process

1. Remove solid dirt.

2. Wash the cart with a wet sponge dipped in soapy water.

3. Rinse using a sponge dipped in the clean water bucket.

4. Dry thoroughly with microfiber towels.

Cleaning Golf Cart Batteries

For electric golf carts, clean batteries regularly. Charged lead acid golf cart batteries release hydrogen gas and acid, which can cause corrosion. Keeping battery terminals clean helps extend battery life. Related reading: how long do golf cart batteries last.

If you see corrosion, follow these steps:

• Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one quart of water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution on the batteries and terminals.
• Let it sit for three minutes.
• Scrub the corrosion with a toothbrush.
• Wipe away the residue.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Apply a battery terminal protector to prevent future corrosion.

Cleaning Golf Cart Seats

Cleaning seats follows a similar process. Pay attention to the seat material to avoid damage. While mold removers work for vinyl, they often contain bleach, which can deteriorate materials. Instead, use water and soap.

After applying the solution, allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes. For stubborn stains, gently scrub with a soft brush. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away dirt. Regular vacuuming also helps keep seats clean.

Cleaning Hacks and Tips

• Set a regular cleaning schedule for consistency.
• Choose a shaded area to avoid soap spots.
• Dry surfaces promptly to prevent water spots.
• Use lukewarm water; hot water can damage surfaces.
• Use bleach sparingly and only on white seats.

View Cleaning as Essential Maintenance

Cleaning your golf cart is crucial for overall maintenance. Regular cleaning preserves its appearance and significantly contributes to longevity, performance, and value.

For personalized advice or service support, contact Garrett’s Golf Carts. Our experts can help with cleaning products, maintenance schedules, and professional servicing to keep your cart in top shape.

FAQs about Cleaning Golf Cart

1. Is it safe to wash a golf cart?

While washing enhances the appearance of any vehicle, cleaning electric golf carts differs from washing regular cars. Using a hose can risk damaging the electrical components of your golf cart.

Please follow these precautions:

• Power Off: Make sure the golf cart is turned off before you start cleaning.
• Use Gentle Products: Choose mild detergents that won't damage the cart's surfaces.
• Avoid High Pressure: Do not use a pressure washer directly on electrical components or battery areas.
• Dry Thoroughly: Ensure all areas are dried properly to prevent moisture buildup, especially around the battery terminals.

By following these steps, you can safely wash your golf cart and keep it in good condition.

2. What kind of soap do you use to clean a golf cart?

Dish soup. Mix dish soap with clean water in a bucket, then dampen a microfiber towel with the solution. Wipe down low-touch plastic surfaces in your cart, such as the sides of the seats, cup holders, and dashboard. Avoid using this mixture on the windshield, even if it's plastic.

3. Can I pressure wash my golf cart?

Owners often seek to give their golf carts the best cleaning possible, which might tempt them to use a pressure washer. However, it's best to avoid this method, as a pressure washer can damage your golf cart.